Hello, my name is Lillian and I am a self-confessed foodie. Deal with it. There are few things that excite me more than discovering a new take on a favorite dish or an under the radar restaurant moments before it becomes the next big thing, and then taking complete and total satisfaction when I get to tell just the right person about just the right occasion to try it out. It's like matchmaking on a whole new food-loving level. Don't believe me? Just watch me go...
A romantic night with your sweetheart in an intimate setting but without the agonizing wait? Cafe Nonna, without a doubt. Best brunch in town for the budget conscious? Germantown Cafe or Marche, with Le Peep also in the running (I do love a good brunch). Celebrating a recent success and want a fancy meal without the pretentious servers? Eastland Cafe or The Red Pony are two of my current faves. Okay wow, I just realized three of those six have "Cafe" in the name. Perhaps I'm French at heart? Hmmm... Oh and speaking of French cuisine, I just discovered the cutest little place off Charlotte called Miel (located behind Bobbie's Dairy Dip, to be exact, which by the way has the best ice cream dip cones you've ever tasted) that I can't wait to try. Some good BBQ before hitting Broadway? Jack's BBQ, all the way. Just want cocktails and a delicious dessert? Mad Platter. Bananas Foster. Thank me later.
OK, so now that you know of my love affair with the Nashville restaurant scene, it's time I turn your attention to the next best thing you need to know about - the Viking Cooking School. It is located in the Factory in Franklin, and it is one of my new favorite ways to spend a Sunday afternoon. Mr. T, being the thoughtful and wonderful husband that he is, treated me to a couples' class called "Date Night in Sicily." The boy knows me well, as what could be more fun and romantic to cook together than Italian? Um, have you SEEN Lady and The Tramp? Spaghetti is meant to be shared, people!
Behold, our Sicilian feast! Buenissimo.
Grilled Endive and Radicchio - who knew you could grill lettuce? Try it. Trust me.
Roasted Red Pepper Bruschetta with HOMEMADE fresh mozzarella. Yum-mo!
The Mother of All Spaghettis - Spaghetti Alla Norma.
With Carolyn, our wonderful teacher and chef!
Just a couple of happy (and very full) cooks in the kitchen. Cheers!
A romantic night with your sweetheart in an intimate setting but without the agonizing wait? Cafe Nonna, without a doubt. Best brunch in town for the budget conscious? Germantown Cafe or Marche, with Le Peep also in the running (I do love a good brunch). Celebrating a recent success and want a fancy meal without the pretentious servers? Eastland Cafe or The Red Pony are two of my current faves. Okay wow, I just realized three of those six have "Cafe" in the name. Perhaps I'm French at heart? Hmmm... Oh and speaking of French cuisine, I just discovered the cutest little place off Charlotte called Miel (located behind Bobbie's Dairy Dip, to be exact, which by the way has the best ice cream dip cones you've ever tasted) that I can't wait to try. Some good BBQ before hitting Broadway? Jack's BBQ, all the way. Just want cocktails and a delicious dessert? Mad Platter. Bananas Foster. Thank me later.
OK, so now that you know of my love affair with the Nashville restaurant scene, it's time I turn your attention to the next best thing you need to know about - the Viking Cooking School. It is located in the Factory in Franklin, and it is one of my new favorite ways to spend a Sunday afternoon. Mr. T, being the thoughtful and wonderful husband that he is, treated me to a couples' class called "Date Night in Sicily." The boy knows me well, as what could be more fun and romantic to cook together than Italian? Um, have you SEEN Lady and The Tramp? Spaghetti is meant to be shared, people!
A cook's dream kitchen. Viking appliances out the wazoo. And check out the mirror so you can see a hands-on demo. I've never felt more like Giada in my life.
Doesn't Mr. T look cute in an apron?
Behold, our Sicilian feast! Buenissimo.
Grilled Endive and Radicchio - who knew you could grill lettuce? Try it. Trust me.
Roasted Red Pepper Bruschetta with HOMEMADE fresh mozzarella. Yum-mo!
The Mother of All Spaghettis - Spaghetti Alla Norma.
With Carolyn, our wonderful teacher and chef!
Just a couple of happy (and very full) cooks in the kitchen. Cheers!
Oh and be sure and check out Nola Girl's blog today for an awesome food-inspired giveaway. But please know that I will fight you if one of you wins and I don't. I need this fabulous book in my life, people!
Bon Appetit, my sweets!
Posts
oh yum.
ReplyDeletei'm a foodie too :)
oh my goodness!! how did i not know they had this in franklin?!?! my friends in MS go all the time and i am always so jealous! i will definitely be hitting that up in the near future!!! :)
ReplyDeleteMmm that spaghetti looks divine!
ReplyDeletelook at yall at the viking school--jeff and i are wanting to make that a date night, too! as for the restaurants, i love all of them you listed--dont forget margot--AHHHH the food gods are calling me there... you made some GREAT picks lady =)
ReplyDeleteJust when I think I'm fine with eating salads everyday for lunch. This post was terrific and makes me want to hop on a plane to Nashville! I will going to a one day cooking class when we are in Paris, and your post made me wish I was there right now!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing about my giveaway!
I am such a foodie too! I love what you guys did! So jealous!
ReplyDeleteThe cooking class sounds like so much fun and the food looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteUhhhh I wanna go to cooking school! I LOVE COOKING! Have you checked out my cooking blog? Or my spot on The Hungry Southerner? I am obsessed with food...
ReplyDeleteWe've taken several of their cooking classes and have loved every one!
ReplyDeleteLooks like so much fun! Also, Jason's really good friend from college is the Executive Chef at Eastland Cafe. It is one of our favorites too! I'm so happy to see it as your top fave currently:) Next time your in you need to tell chef Hal Holden-Bache you know us!
ReplyDelete